Additional Questions
As inspired by Bill.
Do Catlings take slaves?
That sounds like a lot of work. I mean, certainly, if someone volunteers to take on burdens of a Catling’s feeding or grooming or care, that would duly accepted as one’s due. But forcing others to so? That’s not only hard work but … sort of distasteful. Catlings should never be slaves, and non-Catlings … should not be brought into the community as slaves, because that would be rather intrusive for everyone else.
Who runs the Shire?
“Run” sounds so effortful as well as contentious. As noted elsewhere, those who have an interest get together, do a lot of inspired speaking and focused staring, and eventually come to a conclusion based on diminishing returns of effort vs passion for the cause.
What are some problems with Catling society?
- Other underestimate us for our size. Indeed, some are ridiculous enough to underestimate us for other reasons.
- We don’t readily come up with long-range plans. We can react quickly when pressed, but if not pressed, questions and issues tend to take a long while to come close to resolution.
- Too many of us do not think beyond the immediate needs of ourselves and close kin, let alone past the boundaries of our community.
[Ed. Note: The second two points make me think of the Catlings as Scots, only less energetic.]